NHL: Players Who Have Exceeded Expectations

Mike Ribeiro (C, Dallas)

With 22 goals, 27 assists for 49 points in 44 games, Ribeiro has seemingly finally reached his potential. Often dogged in Montreal for his inconsistent play, Ribeiro has found a home in Dallas. He is also a +10 which should nix any discussions about his apparent lack of defensive play. He has also been rewarded with a new 5 year, $25 million deal.

Mats Sundin (C, Toronto)

Don't blame Sundin for the Leafs problems. The captain has put up very impressive numbers (20G, 29A, 49P, +11) on a team which lacks any type of offensive scoring depth. Sundin has carried the load single-handedly while playing with subpar linemates such as Jason Blake and Alexei Ponikarovsky. We expect Sundin to put up solid numbers, but he has exceeded expectations this season.

Mike Richards (C, Philadelphia)

Richards was not expected to put up anywhere near the offensive numbers he has been putting up (20G, 28A, 48P in 43 games). Noted more for his ability to shut-down the other teams top offensive unit, Richards has become one of the dynamic two-way threats in the NHL. He can score, hit, kill penalties, and win faceoffs.

Brad Boyes (RW, Saint Louis)

Boyes has flourished this season with the Blues. He had his ups and downs in Boston but has appeared to find a permanent home in St. Louis. He has tallied 25 goals and 13 assists in 43 games for a Blues team that is in a playoff battle in the Western Conference. For the Blues to make the playoffs, they will need Boyes to keep this pace up.

Patrick Sharp (C, Chicago)

We expected Toews and Kane to make an impact, and yes they too have exceeded expectations, but did anyone expect Sharp to have the season he is having. He has an impressive 22 goals, 7 short handed, and 13 assists. He can do just about anything on the ice. Sharp should have made the all-star team, but playing on a line with Toews and Kane should warrant him more looks in the future.

Mike Green (D, Washington)

Have you ever seen this guy play? Of all the players on this list, Green is probably the biggest surprise. He possesses incredible speed, a rocket of a shot and a tremendous hockey IQ. His point production speaks for itself (12G, 14A in 44 GP). Green is flashy, as you will often see him attempting at least end-to-end rush a game. Another all-star snub.

Ty Conklin (G, Pittsburgh)

He was left for dead by the Oilers, Blue Jackets and Sabres. Conklin has taken the league by storm recently with his steady play. His 9-0-1 record, 1.79 GAA, and .945 SV%, can attest to that. Conklin has fueled the Penguins recent winning streak. Marc-Andre Fleury who?

Honorable Mention - Duncan Keith (D, Chicago) Tobias Enstrom (D, Atlanta) Evgeni Nabokov (G, San Jose) Ilya Bryzgalov (G, Phoenix) Chris Osgood (G, Detroit) Patrick Kane (RW, Chicago) Nikolai Antropov (C, Toronto) Andrei Kostitsyn (RW, Montreal) Mark Streit (D/F, Montreal) Tom Gilbert (D, Edmonton) Alexander Edler (D, Vancouver)